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Extremely talented melodic guitarist and power rocker
German rock guitarist Michael Schenker first rose to fame in the ’70s as one of the early members of the Scorpions and later joined UK-based UFO. He departed in 1978 and the following year formed his own hard rock band, the Michael Schenker Group (aka MSG), in London.
Known to be a musical genius and famous for his distinctive fluid playing style along with his black-and-white Gibson flying V guitar, he helmed the production of a slew of studio, cover and live albums beginning with their No.8-charting self-titled debut in 1980. The band also built up a huge following with the release of 1981’s MSG, 1982’s Assault Attack and 1983’s Built To Destroy.
Following a series of line-up changes throughout the mid ’80s, the Michael Schenker Group eventually disbanded. Instead in 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1993. They released four albums during that time: 1987’s Perfect Timing, 1989’s Save Yourself, 1991’s M.S.G. and 1992’s Nightmare: The Acoustic M.S.G.
A couple of years later, the Michael Schenker Group was reformed. Although the line-up still changed greatly through the years, another six albums were recorded between 1996 and 2008 – starting with Written In The Sand, which charted at No.22 in Japan.
In April 2021, in celebration of his 50 years as a musician, Schenker released the album Immortal. On it, he collaborated with McAuley again and 13 other musicians – Ronnie Romero, Ralf Scheepers, Joe Lynn Turner, Michael Voss, Barry Sparks, Steve Mann, Bodo Schop, Simon Phillips, Brian Tichy, Gary Barden, Doogie White and Derek Sherinian – to record the 10 very personal tracks including In Search Of The Peace Of Mind, which was his first ever musical composition written and recorded at the age of 15.
To support the album, Schenker announced his 50th Anniversary Tour stopping in five UK cities in October 2021.
Encore
Encore
Encore
Michael was back in Manchester to show case his fabulous hits from his UFO years. With a great band he produced a night to remember as Michael is quite simply the best, the ultimate guitar legend. The classics just kept coming and coming. What a class act.
Best gig ever. Schenker on top form. Superb vocalist. Steve Mann was excellent. Five stars all round
Well what can you say, hes still got it, i seen ufo back in the 80s and it was like going back in time, fantastic show , only thing i would say was the vocals were a bit to low, but it didnt spoil the night , the staff were giving out cups of water , which i was very greatful for, it was so nice to be on the front just like i was in the 80s . Thank you Michael for your wonderful playing and your band for theres
A really good gig. Great to be in a sold out venue. The band were great and the singer was electric. Nice to hear some UFO songs I'd never before heard live like Hot and Ready and I'm a Loser
One of the all time great rock guitarists, Schenker thrilled a packed audience with his usual virtuoso playing. Enhanced by an excellent backing band, including Erik Gronwall, who until recently was singing with one of my favourite live bands, Skid Row. He's one of the best frontmen in the business, so with Schenker on top form as well a great night was had by all!
What a night !!! Who said rock is dead. MS what a guy , we had great band with him and did the great UFO tracks, as it was the UFO years tour . I know that realrockradio.co.uk, play a lot of this type. The staff were also very helpful at the venue .
This was a throwback to the 80's gig. Twenty five degrees outside and about 40 inside. A great venue with bars on three sides of the arena and not too expensive either. The gig itself was fantastic with absolutely consummate musicianship. A seething sweaty mass of 1500 were treated to an amazing night. We all know how good Schenker is but I'd like to pay tribute to vocalist Erik Gronwall....what a fabulous voice and a very energetic performance. If anyone is thinking of going to see them and there are tickets still available buy them, you won't be disappointed.
